Sokoto Cleric Defies Sultan, Conducts Eid Prayers Citing Moon Sighting in Niger
In a bold move that has stirred controversy, a Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Musa Lukuwa, led his followers in observing Eid-el-Fitr prayers yesterday, directly opposing a directive from Sultan Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III. The Sultan had officially declared Friday as the Sallah day after announcing that the Shawwal crescent moon had not been sighted anywhere in Nigeria, thereby extending the Ramadan fast by an additional day.
Defiance at Mabera Mosque
Sheikh Lukuwa conducted the two-unit Eid supplication at his Mabera mosque at approximately 9:10 a.m., hours after the Sultan's announcement. In a message circulated on social media, the cleric justified his decision by citing confirmed reports of moon sightings in the neighbouring Niger Republic. He argued that this evidence warranted the celebration of Eid, despite the Sultan's contrary stance.
Historical Context and Justification
Providing historical context, Lukuwa referenced the era of Abubakar Mahmoud Gummi, a time when prominent scholars independently announced moon sightings before the responsibility was centralised under the Sultan to foster unity among Muslims. He maintained that the Sultan's decision on this occasion was incorrect, emphasising the importance of verified sightings over centralised authority. In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, is the recognised authority for declaring the commencement and end of Ramadan based on verified moon sightings across the country.
Borno Police Implements Security Measures
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Borno Police Command has restricted the movement of tricycles during the two-day Sallah celebration across the state. According to the command, this restriction aims to ensure a hitch-free and peaceful Eid-el-Fitr festivity, marking the successful completion of the 30-day Ramadan fast.
The restriction was announced yesterday in Maiduguri via a statement by the command's spokesperson, Nahum Daso. He stated, "The police's constitutional mandate is to protect lives and property," adding that the command has emplaced a comprehensive security architecture to ensure a peaceful, safe, and hitch-free Eid celebration in the state.
Enhanced Security Coordination
The directive is aimed at enhancing security coordination, easing crowd management, and preventing any potential security threats to the public. The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders, Intelligence and surveillance operatives to intensify visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and sustained patrols throughout the festive period, while upholding professionalism and respect for people's rights.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly, and promptly report any suspicious movements or objects to the nearest police station. Additionally, parents and guardians are advised to keep a close watch over their children, particularly in crowded environments. The commissioner reassured the people of his unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the festivities.
